Who Is MTB Legend Brett Tippie?

Some riders push limits. Brett Tippie smashed them to pieces.

A true pioneer of freeride mountain biking, Tippie built his career on absolutely insane lines—so insane that his videos were literally pulled from circulation.

A Wild Start

Growing up in British Columbia, Tippie was always chasing the next thrill. How wild are we talking? Well, as a teenager, he once hung from a bridge using only his teeth.

That kind of energy naturally led him to freeride mountain biking. After using gravel pits as snowboard training grounds, he realized—why not surf them on a bike instead? And just like that, Tippie was hooked.

The Movie That Was Too Much

In 1995, Tippie starred in Pulp Traction, one of the first major freeride MTB films. The problem? His riding was so next-level—sending massive drops on a hardtail—that some sponsors pulled the movie after its release, fearing it would inspire riders to try equally unhinged stunts.

By then, Tippie had already cemented his place as one of the sport’s original legends. He became known for the biggest drops in the game and helped form the Rocky Mountain Froriders, the first official freeride MTB team.

The Rise, Fall, and Comeback

As freeride evolved and younger talent entered the scene, Tippie’s focus shifted—from biking to partying. The lifestyle caught up with him, leading to addiction, lost sponsors, and a fall from the top.

But in 2008, everything changed. At Crankworx Whistler, he met his future wife, who reminded him of his love for riding and eventually inspired him to get sober.

Tippie Today

These days, Brett Tippie is still a force in the MTB world—whether he's ripping gnarly lines, hyping up events as an announcer, or making the entire scene laugh with his infectious energy.

From near career-ending lows to an epic comeback, Tippie’s story proves that even the wildest freeriders can find their flow again.